Signaling apparatus



F.. w. woon.

slGNALlN APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED IAN. 4, |919.

1 ,41 9 ,708 Patented June l13, 1922.

4 SHEETS-SHEEI I.

F. w. woon'.

SIGNALING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED IAN. 4, 1919.

Patented June 13, 1922.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

F. W. WOOD. SIGNALING APPARATUS.

` APPLICATION FILED .IAN- 4, 1919. 1,419,708. Patented June 13, 1922.

- C 4 SHEETS- SHEET 3.

F. W. WOOD.

SIGNALING APPARATUS.

APPL 919. 1,419,708. l Patented JunelS, 1922,

, 4 ssssssssss 4.

III

n Wllilllllll' Again;

vwenroz .jam M LM PATENT creia..

FRANK W. WOOD, 0F MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY.

sIeNAL'ING APPARATUS.

iaieyros.

Application filed January `4, 1919. Serial No. 269,682.

To all whoma't may concern:

Be it known that I, 'FRANK l/V.- Woon, a citizen of the United States, residing at Montclair, in the county oi Essex and State of New Jersey, have invented new and useful lmprovements in SignalingApparatus, ot which the following is `a specification.

This invention relates to signaling apparatus, pertaining particularly to `apparatus designed to provide for selective signaling both with respect to stations and the signals for the stations.

The invention is Vadapted Jorvarious uses where the conditions require selective signaling oit' the kind indicated, but for purposes ot illustration have shown it as applied to service in telegraphing signals between a central station and the trimming tank stations o'f a submarine vessel.

In such use the central station is generally central and the mechanism of controlling the trimming tank operations are located fore and ait. rlhese operations are under the supervision of the central operator and must be made under strict compliance with his instructions. As will be understood, the orders for each auxiliary (trimming tank) station must be individual to that station, since the desired end to be 'obtained may depend on the operations individually or as a resultant of the combined operations. Not only may the character of the orders differ during combined opera` tions, but the length of time each station operates in compliance with the order may be varied. Another factor is the necessity for the use ot a return signal which permits the commander-to determine the character and time ot his orders.

These problems can be met by the installation of two individual systems, each having its transmitting and indicating elements, but this in turn provides two factors of disadvantage, in that (a) two transmittingdevices must be employed in a space of necessarilysmall dimensions, and (o) the return signals are on two different instruments under conditions where the signals must be under constant scrutiny and comparison, to permit the giving of proper orders indicating the change. Y

These problems are met by an larrangement of the transmitting elements in such form as to permit their housing by a single casing of comparatively small size thus economizing space; by maintaining the individuality ofthe 'elements in such manner as to permit the giving of orders individually vandjthe individual replies; by so arranging the transmitter indicators in such manner V'as to permit the concurrent inspection of'both indicators to permit proper g Vcomplementalaction in giving orders, and yby providing the return signal indications in such manner as yto permit concurrent inspectionj As a result, the commander is not only able by a glance to determine the character of the orders'given and the return signals, but with knowledge of the resultant action which should result, is able to rapidly determine the action by the usual tell-tale indicators employed in the conning tower. In other words, the arrangement is such as to permit instant reading of all-the components which may be operating concurrently and at the same time will permit of instant change in either or both sets of iny dications to meet the changing conditions.

To these and other ends, the' nature ot' which will be readily understood as the invention is hereinafter disclosed, said invention consists in the improved construction and combination of parts, hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and moreparticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, 1n which similar reference characters, indicate similar parts in each of the views:

Figure l is a central vertical; sectional vview of the transmitter unit which may be employed as a part of the general system, parts being omitted for clearness.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of'thesame.

vFigures 3, 4, 5 and 6 are sectional views taken respectively on lines 3 3, 4-4, 5 5 and 6 6 of Figure l.

Figure is a face view of a receiving indicator unit.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on line 8 8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic View illustrating one way in which the several units may be connected electrically to provide the desired operation.

The system is of the electrical type, thus economizing space. '.lhe receiver-indicators-onefor. each auxiliary station are duplicates, so that the use of electrical conductors permits oi location oi the indicators at desired points.

Before giving a detail description of parts, the following made:

The general system has the operating structure separate for each auxiliary station -the operating mechanism at the central station for controlling the signals of one auxiliary station are distinct from those of the other auxiliary station-although the central station equipment is so arranged .as

general explanation is to locate these mechanisms in a single casing Aand includes the individual circuits within one general circuit system. This is made possible by carrying all leads through the 'central transmitting structure.

Each auxiliary station has its indicator arranged to indicate the desired signal by the lighting of a lamp individual to the signal, and at the same time an audible signal such as a bell or buzzer--is sounded to call the attention of the operator; these are provided by transmitter operations at the central station, the signals remaining active until the transmitter signal is changed. The return or answering signal is made by the 'operator at the auxiliary station operating a circuit make and break structure operative 'to control lamp indicators at the central statation, the latter remaining active until the circuit make and break structure is shifted.

The transmitter is so arranged as to cause concurrent exposure 0f the order signal and its answer for each auxiliary station, with the indicators arranged so that all 'are with- -in the vision of the central operator when employed, as, for instance, to indicate the periods when no signal is to be given, or when it is ldesired that the particular'operation vshall cease.

For example, the central operator desires the trimming tank at one station to be iilled. He shifts the vproper transmitting indicator Vto pump position, thus closing the circuit for the proper lamp and the' audible signal at the auxiliary station. That operator, notingthe particular signal, shifts the position of ythecircuit makeandbreak device,

lplacing the indicator arm in position over the word pumpl on the receiving indicator, thus closing the lamp circuit for the pump7 indication on the transmitter. Since the initial setting was with respect to this indication, both the transmitting and receiving tion then stops the pumping action, either before or after giving thevanswering signal through shifting his movable indicator, thus again presenting uniform conditions at the transmitting and receiving stations, the indications, however, being in connection with o the off signal.

The action when both fore and aft stations are concurrently affected will be hereinafter described.

Referring first to Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings, 15 designates a casing, which may be sectional in form if desired-having an open top and a seat 15L to receive a cover. The cover is of composite formation, embodying a spider 16, a dial window 17, prei'- erably of amber glass, and a dial 18, the latter carrying in suitable arrangement, two sets of the indications. 1n the drawings, these are shown as arranged on radial lines on opposite sides of the center. ments of the cover are secured together in suitable manner, and the cover secured to its seat.

The axis of casing 15 preferably extends vertically and 4at a suitable point intermedi- The eleate its upper and lower ends the casing is provided with a spider-like web 19, preferably formed integral with the casing body, and having its central portion in the form of a bearing 19a. Web 19 carries what may be termed an insulating base 20 on which is mounted a lamp shield 21, said shield'generally embodying a tube-like portion 21a vcarrying radial webs 21b projecting outwardly and forming compartments extending substantially to thegcover. The shield is secured to web 19 in suitable manner.

Secured to base 20 in suitable manner, are

lamp sockets 22 and the proper terminals, i

the sockets being located within lthe compartments beneath the indications to be illuminated and are adapted to receive the usual lamp bulbs 23. As shown in Fig. 9, each lamp has its individual lead, there being a common return, this being shown as in the form of a contact ring 24.

TheV cover carries a central bushing or bearing 25, and mounted therein and in bearing 197El is a sleeve-like shaft 26, properly positioned relative to said bearings by shoulders to prevent end-wise movement, the

upper shoulder being, for convenience,

formed by the hub of an arm 27, the outer end of which carries a handle 27a. Arm 27 is of suitable conliguration and is formedwith an opening 27b of a size to permit eX- posure o'll either of the indications therethrough. For descriptive purposes arm 27 may be considered as a movable indicator.

rlhe lower end of shaft 26 carries an outwardly extending portion 26L of suitable configuration, and preferably having a recessed portion to receive a roller-carrying member and a spring for yieldingly supporting the member, an arrangement presently described in detail. Said portion 26 also carries a brush holder for carrying other contact members, thus providing a brush carrier rotative by movements of the sleeveshaft.

VExtending axially of and projecting beyond the ends of sleeve shaft 26 is a shaft 28, the upper end of which carries arm 29 and its handle 29, the general structure of which is similar to arm 27, thus providing a second movable indicator', each indicator being movable to an individual set of indications. The lower projecting` portion of shaft 28 carries an outwardly-extending portion 28a, approximately similar to portion 26a, and which is recessed to receive a roller-carrying member 30 and its supporting spring 30-.

As presently described, the roller of member 30 of each of portions 26a and 28a operate ascentering and holding devices for maintaining the parts in the positions to which they may be swung.

Portion 23a carries a brush Y holder 3l formed with recesses to receive the brush members and their yielding supports, the particular arrangement shown providing three of such recesses to respectively receive brush 32 for the common return, brush 33 'for the bell circuit and brush 34 'for the lamp circuit, these brushes being in approximately vertical alinement. The corresponding brushes of brush holder 3la carried. by portion 26a, are indicated at 32m, 33LL and 34a.

As will be seen portions 26a and 28L are spaced apart axially of the casing a distance slightly greater thanthe vertical length of a brush holder, brush holder 31 extending upwardly and holder 3la downwardly, thus locating similar brushes on the samehori- Zontal plane. As a result, it is possible to maintain the circuits for each auxiliary station separate although the circuits lead into this chamber and the two sets have common terminals therein, these being inthe form or' annular members Vcarried by an rannular member 35 supported by web l9-a portion of a face of which carries depressions 35a' which co-operate with the roller of portion 26a :tor centering the brushes of brush holder la, the construction Vbeing substantially the same as that provided forV the roller of portion 28a, which includes the depressions 36nur of a ring 36 carriedby member 35.

Between the planes of these faces, member 35 carries the terminal contacts for the several circuits `in the form of annular members or rings insulated Yfrom member 35 and from each other. For instance, ring 37 is Vthe common return positioned opposite brushes 32 and 32a, this ring being solid; ring 38 is the terminal member for the bell circuits and is formed of segments of metal and insulating material arranged in alternation, and located opposite brushes 33 and 33a; and lamp terminal ring 39 is also of the composite formation and located opposite brushes 34 and 34a.

As will be understood from Figures 4 and 5, the metal segments of terminals 38 and 39 are practically in two sets, duplicated on diametrically opposite sides. This arrangement places a complete set of contacts within an angular distance ol less than 180 deg. and permits each brush holder to sweep throughout its range of activity without interfering with the other brush holder, both of the latter being in the same horizontal plane.

Each active segment of terminal 39 forms the terminal contact for an individual circuit, so that each contact has its individual binding post terminal 40 (Figures l and 6) to which a lead may be connected. Since but one audible signal circuit is employed in each set, the segments of a set in ring 38 may be electrically connected together and a single binding post terminal 4l employed.

Tl e lower end ot the casing may be enclosed as by a bottom 42 having suitable openings tor the passage'ot` the lead wires.

As will be understood, when either or both ofthe movable indicators is shifted, the connections cause the corresponding brush holder to swing a corresponding distance, causing the brushes carried thereby to move over the ring terminals until the parts are shifted to the desired positions, the roller or wheel retaining element maintaining the position of the parts.

The auxiliary station unit may be of suitable type, one form being shown in Figures 7 and 8. Since such unit is operative only in 'connection with one set of signals, the structure is greatly simplified, a single brush holder 43 being employed operating in connection with ring terminals carrying the requisite number of segments, the arm 44 operating in connection with a single set of indications, these being lamp illuminated as in thevcentral station unit. The auxiliary station unit also carries an audible'signal 45 ot suitable type-bell or buzzer, forv instance-'which is connected up to the bell circuit.

ln Figure 9 l have shown a simple wiring diagram ofa system of this type. in this View the auxiliary stations are indicated at X and Z andthe central station at Y.

A and B represent the main lilies connected to the supply lines in suitable manner, which may include a switch C. Line A connects direct to the commontei'minal 37 at each station, and line B connects direct to the common lainp ring 24 of the lamps at each station. The various lead connections are shown.

To illustrate the general operation, the following brief description is given.

Assuming switch C closed, and both arms 27 and 29 are positioned in the olf position, all circuits are broken and the system is inactive. wishes to signal the operator at the aft station X to flood the trimming tank. To provide this signal arm 27 is shifted to bring the opening 27D over the flood indication, thus swinging brush holder 31 to a corresponding position and completing a circuit from line A to line B as follows: terminal 37 at station Y, brush 32, brush holdei1 31, brusli 34, segment 39 of terminal 39, lead 50, lamp a of station X, and return terminal 24 at that station to 'line' B. During the movement to this position a circuit is establishedleading from line A to brush holder 31 asbefore and then continuingthrough Vbrush 33, terminal 38,1ead 51, audible signal 45 to terminal 24, both at station X, and then -to line B as before. This completes the circuit of the illuminating lamp of the flood indication at station X., Vand the circuit for sounding theV audible signal.

During the travelr of arm 31 it has teinporarily made and brokenV circuits through .other lamps and sounded .the signal, thus warning the station 'X' operator ofthe giving of a signal, but these temporary activiare uniioted, the steady illumination giving the desired signal.

The operator at station X then Vswings arm'43 at his station to a position over-'the illuminated flood indication, thus completing a circuit from line A. to terminal 3T and brush holder 43 and segment 39b at that station, to lead 52, to lamp o" at station Y,

Vreturn 24 at that station and line B, thereby completing the circuit for lamp a" beneath the flood indication over which arm 27 is locatedl` so that the signal is shown illuminated through opening 27a. During operation of this return circuit the bell segments at station X corresponding to segments 38 at station Y need not be used, such segments being merely diagrammatically illustrated at stations X and Z.

On .completion of these operations, Vthe units at 'both stations X and Y will show the flood indication illuminated through the arm openings, the remaining indications being non-illuminated. As a result,the op- The operator at station Y nowV erator at station X executes the order given, and the operator at station Y not only is aware of the particular order given but in addition is assured that notice has been taken ity of execution of the order may be maintained.

A general operation such as described may be provided between stations Y and Z by employing arin 29 in place of arm 27.

Provision is thus made for individual signaling to each auxiliary station, theV indications at station Y however, being presented by the dial carried by the casing cover.

Aside from economy of space thus provided in utilizing a single casing for the transmitter of each set of auxiliary stations, Y

a further positive advantage is provided. when it is necessary to give orders for both stations X and Z concurrently; f y..

For instance, assume the order to station X be as beforc-the flood order-and it is necessary to blow the fore trimming tank, arm 27 is movedto the position above indicated setting up the cycle described, and arm 29 is also shifted to position above the indication blow This movement establishes the circuit from line A to brush holder 31 through terminal 37 and brush 32, so that as the arm is advanced brush 33a contacts with Va segment of terminal 38 and completes the circuit through the audible signal y atstation Z by lead 53, signal 45 and lamp terminal 24 at station Z to line B, sounding the signal. When arm 29 reaches its position over the indication blow a circuit is established through lampi o at stat-ion Z, by brush 24L contacting with segment 39c at the central station, thus rendering lead 54 active; as Vthis lead is connected to the lamp return terminal 24 at station Z, `the circuit will be completed to line B, lamp o being illuminated. The operator at station Z provides the answering signalA by moving arm` 43 at hisVv station toposition yover the illuminated indication, completing. the circuit through lamp b at station Y, 'the circuit being from line A v(station Z) Vto segment 39d, lead 55,' lamp terminal 24.(statio'n Y) to line B, rendering lampo( active.

On completion Vof these cycles, the dial at V station kY will show that the aft station is o ierating under flood conditions, and te fore station under blow conditions, the indications being in close juxtaposition so that the vision of the central station operator can gain knowledge of the complete conditions by a glance, and permitting him to act accordingly, knowing the resultant effects oi the concurrent operations and noting the tell-tale indications. Y Y

As will be understood, the compact arrangement and juxtaposed indicationspermitof rapid and accurate action being had, since movement of either arm cannot be had without receivingvisual indication of the conditions at both auxiliary stations', thus preventing necessity off divided vision between the two sets of indications.

And since the terminals 37, 38 and 39 are practically commonin both sets-requiring but a sinO'le support, the terminal structures can be o? substantial character and readily assembled and handled, and the number of circuit connections reduced.

lVhile l have herein disclosed one general embodiment in which my present invention may be utilized, it will be understood that changes or modifications therein may be found essential or desirable in meeting the various exigencies of use, and l desire to be understood as reserving the right to make any and all such changes or modifications as may be toundnecessary or desirable, in so far as the same may fall within the broad spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the accompanying claims when broadly construed.

lVhat I claim is:

1. ln a signaling apparatus wherein the signals at a plurality oi independent stations are made operative from a central station and wherein selective signaling circuits connect the central station with the independent stations` means at the central station for selectively completing said circuits; said means including a casing, a dial on the casing, a unit mounted in the casing and comprising a series or" stationary contact members annularly arranged, said series comprising a plurality of sets of members, one set for each independent station, a plurality of independently movable contact means operative within the casing, each inde- 4 pendent contact means cooperating with a set of contact members for controlling the activity of a single independent station and a plurality of separate indicating elements, one for each Contact means, the plurality of separate indicating elements cooperating with the casing dial.

2. In a signaling apparatus wherein the signals at a plurality of independent stations are made operative from a central station and wherein selective signaling circuits connect the central station with the independent station, means at the central station fork selectively completing said circuits; said means including a casing, a dial on the casing, a plurality of independently movable shafts mounted in the casing and rotatable about a common axis, contact means carried by each shaft, a unit mounted in the casing and comprising a plurality of annular stationary contact members mounted concentrically with said shafts.' for cooperation with the contact means, atleast one of said contact members comprising. a plurality of sets of members, one set for each station, a plurality of indicating elements, one operatively related to each shaft, the plurality of indicating elements being movable over the casing dial.

3.1n signaling apparatus wherein the signals at two independent stations are made operative from a third station and wherein selective signaling circuits connect the -third station with the two stations, means at the third station tor selectively completing said circuits, said means including a casing and circuit make and break devices within the casing, said devices including stationary contacts, one of which comprises an annular contact member common to the circuits of both independent stations, and independently-movable elements co-operative with the contacts and each having its control activity limited to the circuits ot a single independent station.

4. In signaling apparatus wherein the signals at two independent stations are made operative from a third station and wherein selective signaling circuits connect the third station with the two stations, means at the third station Yfor selectively completing said circuits,-said means including a casing, independent circuit make and break elements independently movable relative to a common axis within the casing and each having its control activity limited to the circuits of a single independent station, and circuit make and break contacts within the casing cooperating with the said elements, the said make and break contacts including Contact members arranged in the same plane and active with the said independent make and break elements.

`5. ln signaling apparatus wherein the signals at two independent stations are made operative from a third station and wherein selective signaling circuits connectk the third station with the two stations, means at the third station for selectively completing said circuits, said means including a casing, and independent circuit make and ybreak elements independently rotative relative to a common axis within the casing with the elements positioned t0 move in the same plane intersecting such axis, each element having its control activity limited to the circuits of a single independent station.

6. 1n signaling apparatus, a transmitting unit comprising a casing, a pair of shafts supported thereby, each shaft being movable' tacts including contact members arranged inv the same plane andl cooperating with the make and break elements on both shafts, a dial, and separate indicating means connected to each of said shafts and cooperating with said dial to render separate juxtaposed signals thereon.

7.V In signaling apparatus, a transmitting unit comprising a casing, a pair of Vshafts supported thereby, each i shaft being movable rotatively With the axis of rotation common to both shafts, a circuit make and break element carried by each shaft, circuit make and break contacts Within the casing in the paths of movement ofy the respective elements, said contacts including a member common to both elements, and including contact members arranged in the same plane and cooperating With the make and break elements on bothshafts, a dial and separate indicating means Fconnected to each of said shafts and cooperating with said dial to render separate juxtaposed signals thereon.

8. ln signaling apparatus, a transmitting unit comprising a casing, a pair of shafts supported thereby, each shaft being movable rotatively With the axis of rotation common to both shafts, a circuit make and break element carried by each shaft, and at least tivo circuit make and break contact members Within the casing and positioned in the path of both elements, one of said members having a continuous circuit-connecting contactwith both elements, each element being adapted to operatively connect said member With individual contact segments of a different member in the completion of transmitting circuits.

Y 9. In signaling apparatus, atransmitting unit comprising a casing, a pair of shafts supported thereby, each shaft being Vmovable lrotatively with the axis of rotation common to both shafts, a circuit make and break element carried by each shaft, an

Vexposed shaft-operating member carried by each shaft, a dial carrying a set of indications for and individual to each member and adapted to form guides for the movements of the members, said indications being carried by the casing, and circuit-make and break contacts Within the casing in the path of movement of. they respective elements, said circuit make and break contacts including contact members arranged in the saine plane and cooperating With the make and break elements on both shafts. y

l0. In signaling apparatus, a transmitting unit comprising a casing, a pair of shafts supported thereby, each shaft being movable rotatively with the` axis of rotation common to vboth shafts, said shafts being of unequal lengths, and each carryingk 'a laterally projecting arm, said arms being at corresponding ends of the shafts and located on spaced-apart planes in the shaft assembly, a circuit make and break element shafts carrying an indicator external of the cover member, a circuit make and break element individual to and carried by each shaft beyond the support, and circuit make and break contacts supported by said support and positioned in the paths ofsaid elements.

l2. In signaling apparatus, a central station unit comprising a casing having asuppoi't intermediateits ends extending transverse to the casing axis, al cover member for a casing end, said member carrying signal-indications, compartmentforming means between the cover member and saidV support and vsupported by the latter, said means being positioned to locate a compartment in alinement with an indication, said compartments being adapted to receive an illuminating structure, a pair of rotative vshafts extending through the cover member and said support, each shaft havingV its external end provided With an indicator movable relative to predetermined indications and each having it-s inner-end formed to support a circuit make and break element,

and circuit make and break contact-s supported by the support on the path of movement of said elements.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

FRANK W. WOOD. 

